Indigenous diggers remembered on Anzac Day

The Light Horse assemble at dawn on Currumbin beach during an ANZAC day service. Scott Powick

QUEENSLANDERS are being asked to pay tribute to the many indigenous veterans who have served in the Australian military on Anzac Day this Friday.

The national day of commemoration will this year serve as the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.

Queensland Minister for the Centenary of Anzac Glen Elmes said while many Australians celebrated the achievements of indigenous sports figures, there was "little recognition for thousands of indigenous servicemen and women".

"Indigenous Australians have served the country in conflicts going back to the Boer War, and many have died protecting Australian and Commonwealth interests," he said.

"Many of them had been treated as equals for the first time in their lives as service personnel."

Mr Elmes said all Australians should be thankful for the sacrifice of the Australian military, whether they were "indigenous or not".

Commemorative services will be held in all capital cities and at regional centres across the country this Friday.